Edwin Bonilla, Jr.

Edwin Bonilla Jr., age 71 of Fayetteville, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Duke University Hospital.

Edwin was born December 19, 1952, in Bronx, New York to Edwin and Ignacia Bonilla.

After high school, Edwin joined the United States Army, serving his country for 6 years.  He was a very talented builder, and worked in construction for over 40 years in Fayetteville and surrounding areas. There were very few neighborhoods that he couldn't drive through without saying “See that house, I built it.”

Edwin met his wife to be Karen Parker on April 1, 1982, and were married on August 18, 1984. If you ask either of them, it was the longest April Fool’s Joke either of them has played.

Prior to the birth of his daughters, he played slow pitch softball, on whichever team would have him. Once the girls were old enough, he started teaching them how to play. Edwin spent many years coaching for the Hope Mills Youth Association, and even more years in the stands cheering on his girls.  His love for the game continued up until his death, watching whichever softball game was on TV.

For the last 30 years, Edwin has been an active member of Arran Lake Baptist Church. He served several terms as a Deacon and was a Sunday school teacher for both youth and adults. He was also a faithful member and leader for Celebrate Recovery as his health would allow for over 13 years.

He is preceded in death by his father, Edwin Bonilla; in laws, Bill and Dee Parker; and beloved uncles, Eddie Quijano and Mikey Bonilla.  

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 39 years, Karen Bonilla; daughters, Jennifer Bonilla of Fayetteville and Courtney Jackson (Adam) of Eastover; granddaughters, Carlie Jackson of Fort Eisenhower, GA, Mason and Emerson Jackson of Eastover, and Lilyana Bonilla of Fayetteville; mother, Ignacia Bonilla; sisters, Vandell Alejandro (John), Elaine Wolper (Arnie), and Nilsa Esthers (Tori); brothers, David Bonilla (Margie) and Jamie Rich (Amy); and a host of other family and friends.